23:4214/10/2009
UNITED NATIONS, October 14 (RIA Novosti) - Russia urges Israel to end the blockade on the Gaza Strip and to meet its obligations under a United Nations resolution adopted earlier this year, Moscow's deputy envoy to the United Nations said on Wednesday.

United Nations Security Council Resolution 1860, adopted in January, calls on Israel to allow "unimpeded provision through Gaza of food, fuel and medical treatment."

Konstantin Dolgov told a Security Council session on the Middle East: "The task of fully enacting Security Council Resolution 1860 and solving a range of problems resulting from the continued severe humanitarian and economic situation in Gaza, and ending the blockade of the enclave, remains of key importance."

The Russian diplomat also voiced alarm over tensions in East Jerusalem resulting from Israel's restrictions on Palestinians' access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

"It is very important for all sides to show restraint, and keep to the spirit and letter of existing agreements on holy sites in Jerusalem," he said.

Earlier on Wednesday, the United Nations Human Rights Council published a draft resolution expressing "deep concern at the Israeli actions undermining the sanctity and inviolability of religious sites." Israeli media noted that the document failed to criticize the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas.